The eight Akron police officers involved in the killing of Jayland Walker last summer will not be criminally charged, a special grand jury decided, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said Monday.

Yost hosted a virtual press conference at 3:30 p.m. Monday, with Senior Assistant Attorneys General Anthony Pierson and Anthony Cillo.

Akron has closed High Street between Bowery and State streets as a protest zone. Akron Metro RTA buses are still running but are detouring around the closure. Akron Public Schools will be closed Tuesday.

Grand jury decision: No criminal charges for 8 Akron officers who shot Jayland Walker

Attorney general inadvertently names 4 Akron officers in Jayland Walker shooting

The names of four of the eight Akron officers who killed Walker accidentally appeared Monday in Yost's presentation.

The video recording of the press conference was no longer available on the attorney general's Facebook page Monday night.

Akron police chief: Names of 8 officers who shot Jayland Walker won't be released

Yost said during the presentation, which laid out findings in the state's 10-month investigation, that it would be up to Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett as to whether any of the officers would be named now that a grand jury in Summit County has declined to charge them criminally. Two slides, however, contained names of four of the officers.

The slides include screenshots of footage from the four officers' body-worn cameras. The images capture the moments Walker sprang from his rolling vehicle while wearing a ski mask and the moment he turned toward police before being fired upon more than 90 times.

In the bottom right-hand corner of the still frame are the last names of four officers, which Mylett again said Monday the department is not releasing due to concerns for their safety after they received death threats.

Activists released eight names they claim to be the officers last fall.

Walker family, supporters blast grand jury, say civil suit will be filed

Jayland Walker’s family and supporters hosted a press conference Monday evening in response to the special grand jury decision on the actions of eight police officers in his death.

They were joined by U.S. Rep Emilia Sykes, who has called for the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the Akron Police Department.

'Seen it too many times': Akron community reacts to verdict in Jayland Walker shooting

"Jayland should be alive today," she said. She later added the federal government may not be obligated to investigate, but her office would continue its research on how the government could both review the BCI investigation and Akron police practices.

Speakers also called for continued protest.

Judi Hill, president of the Akron NAACP, urged young people to continue agitating for change.

"My heart isn't feeling peaceful; my head isn't feeling peaceful. My head is saying change. Change has to happen and this is the start folks. So young people ... do your TikToks, get on Facebook ... do what you need to do to keep up the heat. We don't want them to think they can get away with this again," she said.

The Rev. Raymond Greene Jr., executive director of The Freedom BLOC, said protest should continue "until Black men are able to walk down the street without being gunned down. Until Black men are able to walk, wake up and walk outside without the fear of being murdered."

"I am not here to condone violence, but I am saying that you have a right to be righteously indignant from these results today."

Others who spoke asked that protests be peaceful.

"How can we be calm with the injustice that has happened?" said the Rev. Robert E. DeJournett, a relative of Walker and pastor of St. Ashworth Temple.

"We're not advocating violence at all, but we don't feel peaceful," he said. "We talked about being calm but how can we be calm when the injustice we believe has happened? This is a sad, sad day for our family and our community.

"It's not over − we're not giving up. We're going to continue the fight. My faith is not in our judicial system. My faith is in God. He is the ultimate judge and he will continue to judge. We are advocate for protest.

Attorney Bobby DiCello said the family plans to file a civil suit.

"We're going to file it within the one-year anniversary of his death. I would expect it to be around June 1," he said.

Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan, Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett host press conference

Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan and Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett are hosting a press conference at 5:30 p.m. Monday.

Mylett said the names of the eight officers involved won't be released on the advice of the city's law department, saying threats against them are believed to be "active, viable and credible."

Mylett said the officers will also remain on administrative duties "for the foreseeable future."

Mylett said an internal review will now begin, which will include a comprehensive examination of the entire incident, including an examination of training and instruction; police procedures and adherence to these procedures; supervisory decisions; and tactical judgment.

Mylett said he doesn't have an estimate on the timeline for the internal investigation, saying "We're gonna take as much time as we need to." Mylett said the police department received the investigative report from the Ohio attorney general's office Monday afternoon, at the same time it was released publicly, and said the attorney general's report will inform the police department's internal investigation.

Mylett said he'll use the findings to determine if any policies or procedures were violated or if any policies, procedures or tactics should be changed. At the conclusion, the report will be provided to the city's police auditor for review. The report will also be released to the public at the end of the process.

Mylett said as a result of Walker's death, the department has updated its training on handcuffing suspects, saying that handcuffs should now be removed when a threat is no longer present. He said the department is also reviewing its pursuit policy to ensure it follows best practices in policing.

Mylett said a demonstration zone blocked off from car traffic will be open for seven days 24/7 on High Street, between Bowery and State streets, in downtown Akron for "peaceful civil demonstrations."

Horrigan called for peaceful protest, saying he fully supports people expressing if they disagree with the decision but said "don't break windows."

Akron FOP statement

The Akron FOP released a statement from Donald J. Malarcik, Noah C. Munyer and Jacob T. Will, attorneys for three of the eight Akron officers.

"The eight Akron Police officers involved in the Jayland Walker use of force incident would like to thank the Grand Jury for their service in this difficult and tragic case.

"This incident is a tragedy for our entire community, including the family of Jayland Walker, as well as all of the officers involved. Many officers work their entire career without discharging their weapon. A split-second decision to use lethal force is one that every police officer hopes he or she will never be forced to make.

"Each and every officer involved cooperated fully with an independent investigation conducted by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). They were interviewed and answered each and every question truthfully and completely.

"The Akron FOP acknowledges the pain and suffering of Mr. Walker's family and joins them in calling for peace in our community."

Ohio attorney general on Jayland Walker police shooting grand jury

Yost said the grand jury determined the eight officers were "legally justified in their use of force" and issued a "no bill," meaning there will be no state criminal action against the officers and no criminal charges. Yost said it's still possible for civil action for a wrongful death case to move forward.

"Here is a shorthand version of what transpired in June last year. Mr. Walker took at least one shot from his vehicle at the police, led them on a chase and exited from his vehicle and a ski mask, ignoring multiple commands by officers to show his hands and to stop," Yost said.

"Now, the Summit County grand jury, people who live there in the community, spent more than a week reviewing the BCI investigation. The grand jury concluded that the officers were legally justified in their use of force," Yost said.

"The grand jury just a little while ago issued what is called a no-bill, meaning that there will be no state criminal action, no charges at the state level. That does not resolve any potential civil action that might be brought for wrongful death," Yost said.

A "no-bill" means the person isn't indicted. This doesn't prohibit the prosecutor from seeking an indictment from another grand jury, such as in a case if additional evidence is discovered.

More on what is a 'no bill': What does a 'no bill' mean from grand jury in Jayland Walker case?

"Most of officer-involved shootings involve an officer or perhaps an officer and a partner. It is unusual although hardly unprecedented to have this many officers firing their weapon at the same time at a single subject. The sheer number of shots is one of the things that makes the video so hard to watch...That being said, it is critical to remember that Mr. Walker had fired on the police, and that he shot first," Yost said.

The grand jury included two Black jurors and was made up of three men and six women.

Yost said the attorney general's office won't release the names of the officers, as they haven't been charged with anything. He referred questions about whether or not the officers' names will be released to the Akron Police Department. The Akron Beacon Journal sued Akron for the names last year.

What did Ohio Attorney General's Office say about Jayland Walker shooting

The number of shots fired by each officer varied from three to 18 (the breakdown of shots by officer: 4, 11, 6, 3, 18, 18, 18, 16). Pierson said some officers reloaded but did not continue to fire their weapons after they reloaded.

Yost said officers fired 94 shots at Walker over 6.7 seconds. Walker had 46 gunshot wounds to his body, which included entrance and exit wounds. There were no drugs or alcohol in his system.

"As Mr. Walker turns at one particular point in time, he raises his arm out. At that point in time, he is shot by responding officers. The officers believed that Mr. Walker was a threat to them. They believed that he was a threat to themselves and other officers. As a result, he was shot," Pierson said.

"Various officers indicated in their statements that they heard a gunshot, and they responded to the gunshot thinking that it was Mr. Walker who was shooting. It wasn't until later that it was discovered that Mr. Walker did not have a weapon on him," Pierson said.

Pierson said there was no evidence that Walker committed "suicide by cop" but said Walker was going through a difficult time after the recent death of his fiancée.

"I don't want to speculate as to what Mr. Walker was thinking at the time, but I can say this, that it has been made public that Mr. Walker was going through a very tough time in his his life. I think it's been documented that Mr. Walker's fiancée had died a short time before this incident happened. And he was going through a very tough time. And he was hurting," Pierson said.

"And that night that he encountered the police, he was not acting himself. By all accounts, this was a good man, a good person with no prior criminal record, so he was not acting himself. But other than that, I'm not willing to make a leap as to his intentions on that night," Pierson said.

According to the 227-page report from the Ohio Attorney General's office, Walker's Google account showed searches for “what happens when you drink bleach” on May 30, “drinking bleach” on June 10 and “quickest ways to die” on June 10. His mother and sister said he showed no signs of being suicidal. The Beacon Journal is reading through the report and will post updates on what it contains.

The city of Akron is hosting a virtual press conference at 5:30 p.m. Monday, with Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan, Police Chief Steve Mylett and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Clarence Tucker. It will be livestreamed at facebook.com/AkronOhio and youtube.com/@AkronOhio, as well as at beaconjournal.com.

A press conference is planned for 6 p.m. Monday to "discuss the care plan for our community" at St. Ashworth Temple Church of God In Christ, with Walker's mother and sister, Pamela and Jada Walker; the Rev. Ray Greene Jr., executive director of The Freedom BLOC; Walker family attorneys Bobby DiCello and Ken Abbarno of DiCello Levitt; pastor Robert DeJournett; Akron NAACP President Judi Hill; and Congresswoman Emilia Sykes.

Below is a running timeline of events related to the decision:

Who was Jayland Walker?: Family, friends knew man killed by Akron police as funny, loving

What to know: Complete coverage of the Jayland Walker police shooting in Akron, Ohio

4:15 p.m. U.S. Rep Emilia Sykes releases statement

U.S. Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes (D-13), who represents Summit County, said she would be formally requesting the Department of Justice to begin an investigation into the patterns and practices of the Akron Police Department.

“We’ve seen it too many times. A routine traffic stop ends in death, and a family and community mourn the loss of a son. A brother. A friend. A neighbor. As this country and community reckons with another tragic death, we find ourselves yearning for a justice system that protects us all. 

“The safety and security of our neighborhoods requires trust between the community and the law enforcement officers who have taken an oath to protect and serve, but this trust has been violated and must be rebuilt. As such, I will formally request the Department of Justice to begin an investigation into the patterns and practices of the Akron Police Department to start the process of understanding how the department operates and look to create solutions for more community-focused policing that serves the needs of every segment of our community. 

“Finally, as people begin to express their anger, grief, and concern through their Constitutional right to protest, I ask that you remember the words of Jayland’s family and honor his memory by protesting without violence. After the TV crews leave and the nation is no longer watching, it will only be us left to pick up the pieces. Our community deserves the chance to heal and move forward which we will do, must do — together,” Sykes said in a statement.

3:41 p.m. Monday: Akron Public Schools cancels school Tuesday

All Akron Public Schools will be closed Tuesday, with all after-school activities canceled.

The Akron Art Museum will also be closed this week.

APS cancels school Tuesday: Akron Public Schools to close Tuesday following grand jury decision in Jayland Walker case

3:39 p.m. Monday: 8 officers who shot Jayland Walker will not face criminal charges

The eight Akron officers who shot and killed Jayland Walker last June won’t face criminal charges in his death.

A special grand jury in Summit County Common Pleas Court on Monday returned a no-bill, which means the jurors found the actions of the officers were justified.

Read full story here.

3:36 p.m. Monday: Summit County Fiscal Office going remote

The Summit County Fiscal Office will be operating on a full-time remote work schedule until further notice. Residents who need assistance can call 330-643-2588 or email summittreas@summitoh.net.

3:30 p.m. Monday: Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost plans virtual press conference, watch events planned throughout Akron

Several local watch events of the virtual press conference by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost are planned throughout Akron.

The locations include St. Ashworth Temple, Remedy Church, Urban League, Zion Apostolic, East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation, Church of Our Savior and Mount Calvary Baptist Church.

2:34 p.m. Monday: Summit County Council cancels meeting

Summit County Council has canceled its regular meeting Monday, with all council business on the meeting agenda being addressed next Monday, April 24. The regularly scheduled committee meeting will also be held next Monday.

1 p.m. Monday: Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan releases statement: 'Committed to listening to our residents'

Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan released a statement ahead of the grand jury decision:

"As we prepare for whatever is to come from the grand jury as they make decisions in the officer involved shooting of Jayland Walker, we remain committed to listening to our residents and making space for their voices and concerns, while also prioritizing everyone's safety. At the beginning of this process, I asked our community to have patience with the investigation and we are now getting very close to some answers. I have an overwhelming amount of faith in the Akron community and I know we will lean into our partnerships and relationships through the uncertainty of the days ahead."

10:11 a.m. Monday: St. Vincent-St. Mary High School announces rapid dismissal Monday, remote learning days

St. Vincent-St. Mary High School announced Monday that there would be a rapid dismissal at 3 p.m. Monday, with all students required to leave campus immediately.

The school will go to remote learning days Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, with the campus closed. All student activities and athletics are canceled from Monday through the end of the week, with the school notifying families when normal activities and athletics resume.

Akron clergy, community leaders meet: 'The eyes of the country are upon us': Akron prepares for decision in Jayland Walker case

12 p.m. Friday: University of Akron classes in downtown buildings go remote

At noon Friday, classes in the University of Akron's Polsky and College of Business buildings were moved to remote online learning until further notice, the university said. Both buildings are downtown near city offices.

Because Akron Early College uses UA's Polsky Building, the school has a "calamity day" Monday, according to a statement Friday from Mary Outley, interim superintendent of Akron Public Schools. Outley said information on the other APS schools located downtown, STEM High School and its middle school, would be sent to parents by the facilities' principals.

The Summit County Courthouse, however, has remained open, with the special grand jury meeting and other pressing court matters going forward.

What to know about the special grand jury taking place in downtown Akron

Summit County’s first-ever special grand jury convened April 10 to hear prosecutors from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office present BCI’s findings. If the grand jury does not indict the officers, the investigation’s findings will be released publicly.

Akron police also will conduct a separate internal investigation to determine if the officers violated any department regulations.

After jurors hear all the evidence, they will have the task of answering whether the actions of the officers was “objectively reasonable,” a standard established for evaluating use-of-force claims in the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1989 decision in Graham v. Connor.

Jurors must decide this based on how a reasonable officer would have responded in this situation, according to the Supreme Court decision.

Support local journalism: Why local journalists matter for covering the Jayland Walker case from beginning to end

Akron protests: What to know if you're protesting about grand jury in Jayland Walker police shooting case

If at least seven of the nine grand jurors determine the actions of the officers weren’t reasonable, they must then decide if there is probable cause that the officers committed a crime.

The jurors must make this determination for each of the eight Akron officers. They could decide to indict none, all or some of the officers.

Akron leaders are concerned about what the reaction will be to the grand jury’s decision and have prepared by erecting fencing and concrete barriers around the courthouse and boarding up some windows in City Hall.

Several downtown businesses have also boarded up their windows.

Public access to City Hall and the Harold K. Stubbs building, which houses the police department and Akron courts, has temporarily been suspended, with arraignments being done remotely.

The Summit County Court of Common Pleas General Division issued a temporary order for all court business to be conducted remotely starting Tuesday until further notice.

It advised people scheduled for court proceedings to contact their attorney or the court, and to go to its website at www.summitcpcourt.net/zoom-links/ for streaming or additional court information.

Full coverage of events that occurred in Akron, Ohio after Jayland Walker's death linked below

What happened the night Jayland died?: This interactive map depicts Akron police's pursuit of Jayland Walker

Jayland Walker: What the state investigation of fatal Akron police shooting may reveal

How do grand juries work?: What to know about the special grand jury convening Monday on Jayland Walker's shooting

More: Why police nationwide rarely face charges when they kill in the line of duty

Is Akron ready?: With Jayland Walker grand jury decision coming, city prepares

Downtown prepares: Downtown Akron braces for more possible protests as grand jury reviews Jayland Walker case

What don't we know: What we still don't know in the Akron police killing of Jayland Walker

APD's plan for protests: Akron Police Chief Mylett discusses protest zone, department's plan for protests

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Jayland Walker's family lawyer, pastor criticize grand jury decision